Rats climbing up bird feeder?

Question

I have a bird feeder similar to this (http://www.wyevale.co.uk/Heavy%20duty%20wild%20bird%20feeder%20pole%20+single/1170001054,default,pd.html) and there is a family of five rats that climb up it and eat all the food. I stopped putting food on the ground as soon as I realised I had a rat problem but this did not help. How do I deter the rats? They are the size of small rabbits so I think the only way to get rid of them would be to shoot them. How about vaseline up the pole? Would that stop them climbing?

Answer 1

Crisco or vasaline would help

Answer 2

You'll need to buy or make a "squirrel guard" for your pole....it's a tray or dome type thing that prevents them from passing up the pole.

If you're not sure what they look like or where to buy them in your area... just Google "Squirrel Guard". Lots of sites sell them on-line.

Answer 3

rat trap

wild rats carry disease

any time you see rodents, multiply the number by 10 to estimate how many there are in the area.

check out the site

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES...

Answer 4

Vaseline might work temporarily.  But you would have to apply it regularly to make up for the jelly the rats claw off.  Also, it will get dirty and gross.  It isn't practical.

You might consider a "skirt," a barrier around the pole.  It will prevent the rodents from climbing up.  

One way would be to find a frisbee or other tough plastic "plate."  Make a hole in the center, the size of the feeder pole.  Remove the feeder pole from the ground, and thread the pole through the frisbee.  Replace the pole in the ground, and move the frisbee up.

Secure it right at the height of the very bottom of the feeder, with tape or glue.  This height will prevent the rats from jumping from the staff over to the hanging feeder basket (thank you for the link).

Rats are very intelligent.  You may not be done with them yet!  But, you will have the initiative.  Good luck.